Hi, I’m Alex Chen, a Chinese budget traveler who loves independent travel and exploring hidden corners around the world with nothing more than a backpack. Over the years, I’ve also spent a lot of time figuring out how to travel around China more deeply without spending too much money. In this Ningbo Lishe International Airport guide, I’ll share practical information about airport transportation, overnight stays, restaurants, payment apps, SIM cards, and more to help first-time visitors to Ningbo or China navigate the airport with less stress after landing.

Summary

Ningbo Lishe International Airport Overview

  • Airport Code:NGB
  • Address: Konggang Avenue, Haishu District, Ningbo (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Distance to Downtown Ningbo: 12 KM
  • Terminal Information:
    • Terminal 1 (T1): Mainly serves domestic flights. The terminal covers 45,000 square meters and reopened after reconstruction in 2023.
    • Terminal 2 (T2): Mainly serves international and domestic flights. The terminal covers 112,400 square meters and opened in 2019.
Exterior view of Ningbo Lishe International Airport terminal building

4 Best Ways from Ningbo Lishe International Airport to Downtown Ningbo

I personally recommend taking the metro because you can access it directly inside the airport, and it’s the cheapest way to get into the city. However, if you arrive late at night, the airport bus is a good option since it specifically serves late-night and early-morning arrivals. If you’re traveling with several people or carrying heavy luggage, taking a taxi can also make sense because Ningbo Airport is quite close to downtown, so the fare is still reasonable.

1. How to Take the Metro from Ningbo Lishe International Airport to Downtown Ningbo?

From Terminal 2 (T2)

  • Metro Line:Ningbo Metro Line 2, Lishe International Airport Station
  • Location: Basement Level 1
  • Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:20 PM
  • Price: 4 CNY
  • Travel Time: Around 40 minutes

How to Buy Tickets

  • Buy a single-ride ticket at the metro ticket counter or self-service ticket machine. You can pay with cash, WeChat, or Alipay.
  • You can also scan the metro QR transit code from Alipay or WeChat.

From Terminal 1 (T1)

  • The metro boarding location is the same as Terminal 2.
  • Other information is the same as T2.
Airport arrivals sign showing metro and baggage claim directions

2. How to Take the Airport Bus from Ningbo Lishe International Airport to Downtown Ningbo?

From Terminal 2 (T2)

  • Location: Airport bus stop at P7-P8 across from Gate 22 of Terminal 2
  • Price: 12 CNY
  • Travel Time: Around 20 minutes
  • Operating Hours: Runs during late-night and early-morning hours after metro service ends
  • Departure Times: 10:00 PM, 11:00 PM, 12:02 AM, 1:00 AM
  • Common Airport Bus Route: Airport -> Ningbo Passenger Transport Center -> Ningbo Railway Station

How to Buy Tickets

  • Buy bus tickets at the airport bus ticket counter or self-service ticket machine. Cash, WeChat, and Alipay are accepted.
  • You can also purchase tickets through the official WeChat account.

From Terminal 1 (T1)

  • Location: Next to the airport bus ticket office outside Gate 14 of Terminal 1
  • Other information is the same as T2.
Airport shuttle bus stop to Ningbo Railway Station and downtown area

3. How to Take a Taxi from Ningbo Lishe International Airport to Downtown Ningbo?

From Terminal 2 (T2)

  • Location: Taxi pickup area outside Gate 22 on the first-floor arrivals level of Terminal 2
  • Price: Around 55 CNY
  • Travel Time: Around 20 minutes
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours

From Terminal 1 (T1)

  • Location: Outside Gate 14 on the first-floor arrivals level of Terminal 1
  • Price: Around 55 CNY
  • Travel Time: Around 20 minutes
Airport parking and taxi pickup direction sign

4. How to Take a Ride-Hailing Car from Ningbo Lishe International Airport to Downtown Ningbo?

You can book a ride using Alipay or DiDi Ride-Hailing.

From Terminal 2 (T2)

  • Location: “T2 Ride-Hailing Pickup Point” in Zone F on Basement Level 2
  • Price: Around 30 CNY
  • Travel Time: Around 20 minutes
  • Operating Hours: 24 hours

From Terminal 1 (T1)

  • Location: Underground parking passage, T1 ride-hailing pickup point
  • Price: Around 30 CNY
  • Travel Time: Around 20 minutes
Ride-hailing pickup area inside Ningbo Lishe International Airport

Ningbo Lishe International Airport Guide

Tax Refund

  • Tax Refund Requirements
    • The same overseas traveler must spend at least 500 RMB on tax-refundable items in the same tax refund shop on the same day;
    • The departure date must be within 90 days of the purchase date;
  • Tax Refund Amount: The tax refund rate is 13% of the invoice amount (including VAT), and 11% is refunded to overseas travelers.
  • Tax Refund Process:
    • Before security check, complete customs verification and confirmation by following the airport signs.
    • After security check, the tax refund counter is located in the international departure waiting area on the 3rd floor of Terminal 2. Follow the signs marked “Departure Tax Refund TAX FREE”.
  • More Tax Refund Information: <China Tax Refund Guide>

Where to Buy a SIM Card

  • Location: Ningbo Inbound Tourism Service Center, International/Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan arrivals exit in Terminal 2
  • Note: You will need a VPN in China if you want to access Google, LINE, and some other international apps and websites.

Transportation Between Terminals: T2 to T1

Terminal 2 and Terminal 1 are very close to each other. In most cases, you can simply walk between them in around 10 to 15 minutes.

Payment App Assistance Counter (Ningbo Inbound Tourism Service Center)

To make mobile payments easier for international travelers in China, Ningbo Lishe International Airport has set up a payment service counter inside Terminal 2 to help visitors download and use Chinese payment apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay.

  • Services Available:
    • Help with downloading and installing WeChat Pay and Alipay
    • Guidance on linking international bank cards and activating payment functions
    • Basic tutorials and answers to common payment app questions
  • Location: International/Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan arrivals exit in Terminal 2
International visitor service center at Ningbo Lishe International Airport

Ningbo Lishe International Airport Restaurants and Opening Hours

There are not many restaurants inside the international and domestic departure areas of Terminal 2. If you are departing from Terminal 2 for either an international or domestic flight, I honestly recommend eating before going through security because you’ll find more food options outside the restricted area.

After Security Check in Terminal 2

  • Luckin Coffee
    • Location: Opposite Gate 215 in the domestic departure area of Terminal 2
    • Opening Hours: 5:30 AM until the last departing flight
    • Food Type: Coffee and snacks
  • Starbucks
    • Location: Gate 215, domestic departure area, 3rd floor of Terminal 2
    • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM until the last departing flight
    • Food Type: Coffee and snacks

After Security Check in Terminal 1

  • 7-ELEVEN
    • Location: Opposite Gate 103 in the restricted area on the 2nd floor of Terminal 1
    • Opening Hours: 5:30 AM until the final flight
    • Food Type: Convenience store snacks, drinks, and groceries
  • Dicos
    • Location: Opposite Gate 102 in the restricted area on the 2nd floor of Terminal 1
    • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM
    • Food Type: Burgers and snacks

Duty-Free Shop Opening Hours

Terminal 2

  • CDF Duty Free Shop
    • Location: West side of the international security check channel, 3rd floor of Terminal 2 international departure area
    • Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 11:30 PM
    • Products Sold: Cigarettes, perfume, and cosmetics

Luggage Storage Locations

  • Terminal 2
    • Location: There is a service counter on the west side of the domestic arrivals hall on the 1st floor of Terminal 2 for inquiries. The self-service luggage lockers are located on the 2nd floor of the transportation center.
    • Opening Hours: Service counter: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, luggage lockers available 24 hours
    • Price: Small locker: 5 CNY for 4 hours, 15 CNY for 4-12 hours, 25 CNY for 12-24 hours, 25 CNY/day after 24 hours. Large locker: 10 CNY for 4 hours, 30 CNY for 4-12 hours, 50 CNY for 12-24 hours, 50 CNY/day after 24 hours
  • Terminal 1
    • Location: Next to the oversized luggage counter on the 2nd floor departure level of Terminal 1
    • Opening Hours: 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM
    • Price: Small luggage: 10 CNY for 4 hours, 20 CNY for 4-12 hours, 30 CNY for 12-24 hours, 30 CNY/day after 24 hours. Large luggage: 15 CNY for 4 hours, 30 CNY for 4-12 hours, 50 CNY for 12-24 hours, 50 CNY/day after 24 hours

Currency Exchange Location

  • Yuxin Currency Exchange
    • Location: Counter R07, west side of the international departure area on the 3rd floor of Terminal 2
    • Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Free Airport Wi-Fi

Passengers can connect to the airport’s free Wi-Fi in the following way:

  • Mobile Number Login: Enter your phone number and receive an SMS verification code to log in. Tip: If you want to access Google and some international websites while using airport Wi-Fi, you may still need a VPN.

Can You Sleep Overnight at Ningbo Airport?

Yes, you can stay overnight at Ningbo Lishe Airport, but honestly, I wouldn’t really recommend it because there are not many comfortable places to rest. If you manage to enter the security area inside Terminal 2 early enough, you can use the sleeping pods there. The price is 20 CNY for 30 minutes or 30 CNY for 50 minutes. Personally, I think that’s quite expensive for Ningbo. Since the airport is also close to downtown, it usually makes more sense to stay at a nearby hotel and head to the airport early the next morning instead.

Overnight sleep pod lounge inside Ningbo Lishe International Airport

Airport Check-In Closing Times

  • Domestic Flights: Check-in closes 30 minutes before departure.
  • International Flights: In most cases, check-in closes 40 minutes before departure.